(The following press release was published verbatim from Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele)
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Dublin Township Police Chief Francis Wheatley announce an increase in the award amount to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Vernon Hatchett (who is also known as Khaliyl Ward), 40, of Glenside.
The increase in the award comes as Hatchett has been on the run for 15 months. On Dec. 31, 2024, an arrest warrant for Hatchett was issued when he was charged two first-degree felony counts of Neglect of Care Dependent Person Resulting in Death, Abuse of Care Dependent Person for Whom he is Responsible and Conspiracy to Commit Involuntary Manslaughter related to the death of his son, 21-year-old Tylim Hatchett, who could not feed or care for himself. Tylim died from neglect on Sept. 18, 2024, weighing just 59 pounds, and the criminal investigation found that he had been left alone for the vast majority of the time leading up to his death, without his parents or caregivers providing food or medications that he needed to survive.
“Vernon Hatchett is charged with neglecting the care of his son to such an extent that it caused his death,” said DA Steele. “Tylim was totally dependent on the adults in his life, including his father, Vernon Hatchett.”
The District Attorney is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Hatchett. Hatchett is a 40-year-old Black male, stands 5-feet, 10-inches tall, and weighs 190 pounds. If anyone sees Hatchett, do not approach him and call 911. For tips on his whereabouts, call Montgomery County Det. James Lavin at 484-674-6527 or Upper Dublin Police Det. Brian Devlin at 215-646-2101.
